The refinements to the iconic SUV include more sophisticated lines and materials and an even more rewarding driving experience.

The XC90 owner can stay in touch with the parked vehicle via a new mobile application for an iPhone or Android smart phone.

"The XC90 still boasts all the virtues that have made it one of our most successful models ever. The spacious and flexible crossover combines excellent handling and comfort with superior get-you-there ability and flexibility. Now we have upgraded the XC90 with a number of features that emphasise the large SUV's unique blend of sophisticated elegance and capable ruggedness," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at the Volvo Car Corporation.

The XC90 is designed to give an elegant, muscular and robust impression. This has been reinforced through a number of refined details.

New Day Running Lights give the front more character. The redesigned silver metallic bumper bar as well as silver roof rails are standard on all variants. There is a new lower door moulding and all XC90 versions are fully colour-coordinated.

The new tail lamps have dual light guides, LED brake lights and a silver turn indicator bulb (still with orange light). The news features also include six-spoke 18-inch wheels in silver matt finish.

More luxurious interior

A number of refinements have been made to give the XC90 interior an even more luxurious aura, including the three-spoke steering wheel, aluminium décor as standard and the watch dial-inspired instrument design with white lighting.

The tailgate is divided into an upper and a lower section. It now comes with a new, colour-coordinated leather grab handle. The load cover has also been redesigned.

The seating position gives the driver an in-command feeling. Seven seats are standard on most markets. All the passenger seats can be folded to create a fully flat loading floor.

Exclusive Executive version and sporty R-Design

The XC90 is also available in an even more exclusive Executive version with a number of features that further elevate its level of cosseting luxury, such as soft leather seats with ventilation and massage as well as a number of details with a more exclusive finish.

The R-Design version boosts the XC90's sporty aura and gives the car a more driver-focused character. On top of the special chassis, the new R-design version also features redesigned upholstery, inlays, door panels and new 19-inch wheels.

Fuel consumption (EU Combined) is 8.3 l/100 km with the D5 and 8.2 l/100 km with the D3. The corresponding CO2 figures are 219 g/km and 216 g/km respectively.

Bluetooth music streaming and new mobile application

The Volvo On Call system can now be combined with Bluetooth mobile phone connection. The system has been upgraded with music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is the only car brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.

New too is a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call.

Wide range of features

Owners of all new Volvos from Model Year 2012 with Volvo On Call can download the mobile application that opens up a range of possibilities, such as:

Car locator. The location of the car is shown on a map. There is also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction.

Remote heater start. If the car is equipped with a parking heater, it can be started or timer programmed via the mobile app.

"Creating an intuitive and ergonomically optimised relationship with the car is part of our aim to offer a feeling of relaxed control. The mobile application is much more than a gadget. It is the first step in our connectivity strategy. We have started to build a bridge to the future - and the mobile app will be extended with a range of possibilities," says Peter Mertens.

Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Car Group's international car range. Described features might be optional. Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.